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Florida Gov. Scott Signs Abortion, Medical Marijuana Bills

Florida State Capitol
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Bills adding new restrictions on abortion clinics and expanding the use of medical marijuana were signed into law by Florida Gov. Rick Scott.

The two were among 68 bills Scott signed into law on Friday.

The abortion legislation (HB 1411) mirrors what is being challenged in court in other states including Texas. It prohibits state money for any service by an organization that also provides abortions.

It will affect half a dozen clinics, including Planned Parenthood facilities that serve the poor under Medicaid and other federal programs.

The medical marijuana bills (HB 307 and 1313) expand its use to terminal patients along with the possibility of adding more distributing organizations.

Scott did veto his first bill this year (HB 1355), which would have created the Gainesville Regional Utilities Authority and allowed the five-person board to be compensated. Similar boards do not pay members.